EastEnders star teases ‘interesting’ plot twists as he makes ‘surprise’ return

One beloved Walford resident is making a comeback to EastEnders

EastEnders star Max Bowden has opened up about his return to the BBC soap.

Several major characters, including Zoe Slater and Anthony Trueman, have made their way back to EastEnders recently, with even more comebacks planned for the months ahead

Amongst those making a return is Ben Mitchell, portrayed by Max Bowden, who’ll be making a short trip to Albert Square following the passing of Jonno Highway (Richard Graham), Callum and Stuart’s father.

Ben has been serving time in an American prison for credit card fraud since last year, but he’ll soon be making his way back to Walford for Jonno’s funeral, finally reuniting with husband Callum and daughter Lexi (Isabella Brown).

Max has spoken candidly about his BBC soap comeback, revealing he was caught off guard when EastEnders bosses contacted him.

“It was a surprise to me. It’s a little, brief, fleeting visit, which was lovely to do,” Max revealed on Inside Soap’s Soap Scoop podcast.

The actor, currently touring with dark comedy production Murder at Midnight, described his return as “interesting,” adding it was “really lovely” to step back into Ben’s shoes after more than a year’s absence, reports Plymouth Live.

Max, who took on the role of Ben in 2019 following a recast, also shared his perspective on Callum’s infidelity during Ben’s incarceration.

Callum has formed a bond with Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff) whilst Ben has been behind bars, with romantic feelings developing between the pair – much to the dismay of those around them.

“I think you have to separate the character from the actor. The actor sees the reasons that Callum feels so torn and that place of isolation, loneliness, and responsibility,” Max revealed. “I think it makes sense that Callum has made the decision.”

He hinted that the scenes between Callum and Ben are “well written” and confessed that Ben doesn’t “immediately” grasp his husband’s motivations.

Ben won’t be the sole character returning for Jonno’s funeral; Callum’s brother Stuart (Ricky Champ) will also make a fleeting comeback to Walford for the service.

Stuart departed EE alongside his wife Rainie (Tanya Franks) and their son Roland in 2022. The family departed to begin fresh lives beyond the chaos of Albert Square.

EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm. Episodes are also released on iPlayer daily at 6am.